6 smart ways to protect your precious Apple Watch

Some purists will recoil in horror at the idea of covering up their new Apple Watch in any way, but based on the broken Apple Watches we’re already seeing, perhaps a little protection isn’t such a bad idea.

Whether you play sports or just want to garden without having to worry, these Apple Watch protectors will ensure your wearable remains as pristine as the day it came out of the box.

ActionProof Bumper

Photo: ActionProof

Offering 360-degree rubber shock absorption for any 42mm Apple Watch owner (sorry, those with smaller wrists!), the Bumper by ActionProof started life as an Indiegogo campaign.

Its attractively chunky design isn’t meant as a permanent addition to your Apple Watch, but rather as an “easy-on” accessory to protect the device whenever you feel the situation warrants it — while still allowing easy access to the display, health sensors, Digital Crown, speakers and microphone.

It will ship to Kickstarter supporters later this month, but other customers may have to wait a bit longer.

Price: $35

Spigen Apple Watch Case Slim Armor

Photo: Spigen

The Spigen Slim Armor case provides all-around protection and a rugged, outdoorsy look. Unlike the Bumper from ActionProof, it’s available for both sizes of Apple Watch.

It also comes in a range of colors, including champagne gold, which means you can pretend to be an Apple Watch Edition owner — so long as people don’t get too close.

Available May 18.

Price: $19.99

Apple Watch Case Thin Fit

Photo: Spigen

If you don’t want the extra cushioning of the above Slim Armor case, this Thin Fit protective armor — also from Spigen — may do the trick. Instead of being made of soft rubberized material, it’s composed of hard polycarbonate, and is among the least visually intrusive Apple Watch cases I’ve seen.

That also means you’re giving up a bit of protection, but this remains a stylish choice if you’re not going to be scrambling over rocks with your new wearable.

As with the Slim Armor, it’s available in both 38mm and 42mm, and in a range of muted colors. Still in the preorder phase.

Price: $14.99

LunaTik Epik

Photo: LunaTik

There have been mixed reports about how waterproof the Apple Watch actually is (Apple describes it as “water-resistant”), but why take the chance of when it comes to liquids?

LunaTik makes high-quality H20-related accessories, such as the waterproof Aquatik case for the iPhone, and the company promises to build on that record with its forthcoming Epik waterproof case for the 42mm Apple Watch.

Since the Epik isn’t out yet, we have no way of knowing how well it works or whether it will enable you to use your Watch display in watery environments. Given LunaTik’s reputation, however, this could be the case you should hold out for.

Patents have already been secured; all we’re waiting for now is the Kickstarter campaign.

Price: ???

IQ Shield screen protection

Photo: IQ Shield

Your Apple Watch display is pretty tough — particularly when you’re talking about the sapphire crystal on non-Sport models — but as anyone who has ever owned a watch will know, scratches can happen.

The single-sheet IQ Shield requires liquid application, which makes it a bit trickier to install than some of the dry screen protectors. But the effect is worth it — you’ll avoid bubbles, tearing, peeling or any other problems you might worry about from a screen protector.

Once it’s added, you won’t even notice it’s there. Which is exactly the point.

Price: $6.95 (on Amazon)

ArmorSuit MilitaryShield screen protection

Photo: ArmorSuit

Another wet-install screen protector, the ArmorSuit MilitaryShield is made from the “same protective film material used to protect military aircrafts, helicopters and space shuttles.”

Available for both sizes of Apple Watch, this screen protector features self-healing technology that will safeguard against scratches. It perfectly conforms to the shape of your curved Apple Watch display and, perhaps best of all, comes with a lifetime replacement warranty — so to paraphrase Anchor Man, you know it’s good!